THE Arden Sailing Club (Defford) fleet was depleted on Sunday as the holiday season got under way. However, those who braved the strong and gusty winds enjoyed an action-packed afternoon.

The first race of the day was a Pursuit, which saw Val Jolly taking full advantage of her start in the Topper, only being caught in the last few minutes of the race after her tiller had failed. With two minutes to go Alan Salerman in the Enterprise passed treasurer Keith Stevens in the Comet.

Full results were: 1 Alan Salerman (Enterprise), 2 Keith Stevens (Comet) , 3 Val Jolly (Topper), 4 Stuart Stephens and daughter Caroline (Enterprise), 5 Andrew Potts and Tony Holmes (Enterprise)

Keith Stevens had a walkover in the Comet class race but he still had to complete one lap to claim first place.

Richard Drinkwater showed all the guile of his age and experience to keep himself and his crew dry and by staying upright was able to win the Enterprise Class race by a comfortable margin. Andrew Potts and crew Tony Holmes finished second after numerous capsizes, Stuart and Caroline decided discretion was the better part of valour and retired after capsizing.